Do not leave entrances to Student Housing Facilities Propped Open. This reduces the chance of unauthorized persons from entering.

Keep a record of the serial numbers of all your belongings. Items of value that do not have a serial number can be engraved with your driver’s license number and photographed to aid in recovery.

Store valuables and large sums of cash at the bank. A checking account is a safer way to store cash and valuables can be stored in a safety deposit box.

Insurance in residence halls covers the institutions property only. Residents are encouraged to provide their own insurance against loss of, or damage to personal possessions.

In Public Areas

When going out, make a habit of telling your roommate, a friend, or staff member know what your plans are and when you expect to return as a precautionary safety measure.

At night, travel in well-lighted areas and walk facing traffic whenever possible. This increases awareness of potential traffic hazards and also reduces the possibility of being followed by someone in a vehicle.

Stay alert and avoid walking by the curb or near buildings or shrubbery. Walk in the middle of the sidewalk with confidence.

If you feel threatened or suspect that you are being followed, walk toward lighted areas where people are present. Look over your shoulder frequently to let the follower know that you are aware of both his/her presence and your surroundings.

Do not leave personal property unattended in public areas, such as the library, student center, and classrooms. It only takes a moment for someone to steal.

Do not carry more cash than you need and Carry your purse or backpack close to your body and keep a tight grip on it.

Keep a list of your credit cards, identification cards and checking account numbers, so that if they are stolen or lost, you can provide the list of numbers to the police. Also keep a list of the phone numbers to your bank and credit card companies with which you do business, so that you can immediately notify them when your cards are lost or have been stolen.

Cellular phones are an excellent way to remain in touch and summon help if needed. Make sure to charge your phone regularly so that you can use it when you need it most.

Parking & Vehicle Safety

Park in the campus parking lots if space is available. If not, park in the most lighted area you can find and avoid parking in isolated and dark areas.

Do not leave valuable items unattended in your vehicle. Place all items that may attract attention in your locked trunk. (Hint: almost anything may attract attention- when in doubt, place it in the trunk or take it with you).

Upon returning to your vehicle , have your keys ready as you approach your vehicle. Check the back and front seats to make sure the car is empty before you get in.

After dark when walking to your vehicle, travel with a group or ask a safety escort to accompany you.

Keep the doors locked at all times when riding in your vehicle.

Bicycles & Mopeds

Lock bicycles and mopeds. Never leave your bicycle or moped unlocked or unattended. Lock your bicycle with a good lock and chain or “U” type of lock and cable to prevent all parts of your bicycle from theft.

Engrave your bicycle or moped with your name and/or driver’s license number and keep a record of it with a description of the bike and serial number.